Printed on: 10/07/2026. Please go to policy.umn.edu for the most current version of the document.
University of Minnesota  FAQ

Reporting Workers' Compensation Related Injuries

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  1. What is Workers’ Compensation?

    Workers’ Compensation is a statutory, no-fault system of legal rules that provides for the payment of medical expenses and wage loss benefits for employees who are injured or contract an illness arising directly out of and in the course and scope of their job duties.

  2. How do I file a Workers’ Compensation claim?

    Please refer to Reporting and Managing a Workers’ Compensation Claim.

  3. Who should complete the First Report of Injury?

    Although the state of Minnesota does not specifically indicate who must complete the First Report of Injury form, University best practice is for the supervisor to complete this form in consultation with the injured employee. The most important aspects of the First Report of Injury are to complete it to the best of your ability and submit it immediately.

  4. I am an employee not based in Minnesota, and need to report a work-related injury, what should I do? 

    Please complete the eFROI and email [email protected] to ensure the appropriate parties are notified.

  5. Who will handle my claim?

    The University of Minnesota contracts with a Third Party Claims Administrator (TPA) to handle the administration of Workers’ Compensation claims. Your claim will be assigned to an adjuster at Sedgwick CMS, the TPA under contract with the University.

  6. What benefits am I entitled to?

    Under the Minnesota law, you may be entitled to:

    • Medical services related to your work injury
    • Compensation for wage loss or inability to earn a full income
    • Compensation for loss of use of a part of the body or loss of a body part
    • Vocational rehabilitation services if you are unable to return to work

  7. How long do I have to file my claim?

    The University requires employees to report work-related injuries/illnesses as soon as reasonably possible to ensure that all medical and lost time benefits that may be owed to an employee begin in a timely manner. Delays in reporting can increase the risk of losing or delaying receipt of compensation benefits.

  8. My claim was denied and I don't understand why.

    The Workers’ Compensation system is governed by state laws and case law. If you have questions regarding a claim denial, discussion with one or more of these resources may help clarify the decision:

  9. I'm not sure if my injury is work-related. What should I do?

    If you are not sure if an injury is related to work, notify your supervisor of the injury and file a claim. The assigned Claims Adjuster will help make the determination.

  10. How are my wage loss benefits calculated?

    Please refer to the MN DOLI website for details.

  11. For compensable Lost Time injuries, what are my wage replacement options?

    Under Minnesota Statute, Sedgwick Claims Management will pay your wage loss benefits upon acceptance of your Workers’ Compensation lost time claim. They will pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to statutory minimums and maximums. Your leave balance(s) will be unaffected. In addition to the statutory wage loss benefit, you may also consider a wage replacement option from the University. You are able to replace the additional one-third of your wage loss using your leave balance(s) at the University. You must use your sick leave first, followed by vacation and comp leave.
    If your Lost Time claim has not yet been accepted as compensable, you may choose to receive 100% of your wages from the University, subject to paid leave being available to you, by using your leave balance(s). Upon the acceptance of your claim, you will receive the statutory two-thirds of your average weekly wage from Sedgwick Claims Management backdated to the beginning of your wage loss. Once Sedgwick applies the statutory wage loss payment, this will result in an overpayment. At that time, you will be required to reimburse the University the amount of your payment from Sedgwick (the two-thirds of your average weekly wage).

  12. Who do I contact if I have a question regarding MN Paid Leave through MetLife?

    Please reach out to the University’s Leave Administration team at [email protected] with any questions.

  13. What is the process to return to work with restrictions specified by my physician?

    The University's top priority is getting you well quickly and having you rejoin the University community. 

    Physicians’ restrictions minimize the possibility of reinjury if you follow their guidelines and instructions. 

    Your department will look for work to comply with the restrictions from your doctor.  If your department has questions about the restrictions, they may consult with UReturn, the employee services division of the Disability Resource Center (DRC). This may involve finding work outside of your department that meets your restrictions so that you will continue to receive your usual pay.  

    If you are concerned that the job provided is not consistent with the restrictions, discuss with your supervisor, UReturn Employee access consultant, your adjuster, and/or your doctor.

  14. I want to return to work, but need some assistance. Who can help?
    • Your supervisor should be your primary resource. In addition, DRC/UReturn Employee Access Consultants will serve as an objective facilitator whose role is to engage both the supervisor and the employee in the interactive process.
    • The University’s UReturn office. UReturn is the employee services division of the Disability Resource Center.
  15. I have more questions. Where should I go for answers?